Nuvolari Lenard founder preparing for solo transatlantic crossing

A founding partner of superyacht design firm Nuvolari Lenard is preparing to undertake a solo transatlantic crossing in an effort to raise awareness of ocean pollution.

Dan Lenard has announced that he will commence his journey from Cadiz in January 2019 aboard Vela 33, which has been described as an “ecologically superior modern sailboat that takes sailing back to its roots”.

Lenard will be without the help of GPS, autopilot or an engine as he sets about completing the 4,800-mile voyage. He intends to navigate solely by “sight, stars and sun”.

The final destination on the crossing is Miami, where he hopes to complete his voyage at the same time as the Miami Boat Show takes place in February 2019.

Named La Vite e Vela, the expedition is non-commercial and has been entirely funded by Lenard, who wishes to raise awareness about the impact modern day sailing is having on the environment.

“Sailing is the only true sustainable mode of transportation but in the last century we started to combine what was originally sustainable with dirty technology – there is no sailing without a diesel engine today,” he noted.

Vela 33, which been designed solely by Lenard, is currently being constructed in carbon but will remain basic, with merely a “small hard top” to provide shelter.

In keeping with the simplistic nature of the boat, it will not feature a log clocking the miles. However, it will include a proper life raft and EPIRB in case of emergency.

To keep supporters up-to-date with his progress, Lenard will send his position from a transponder each day.

Lenard said, “I intend to sail 4,800 miles without use of any fossil fuels, without generating any waste, without using electric or electronic equipment, - no photovoltaics, no wind generator, no autopilot. It will be just a man and the boat, like they did 5,000 years ago when they discovered the first truly sustainable vehicle - a sailboat.

“Every step of the way is carefully planned, including appropriate food packaging so by the time I get on the other side, I am not bringing along or leaving along the way even a tiny bit of trash from Europe.”

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